Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
